Food Safety Training Offered to Industry at Texas A&M University

COLLEGE STATION – A Food Safety Preventive Controls for Human Foods workshop covering new requirements for members of the food processing industry is scheduled Dec. 19-21 at the Kleberg Animal and Food Sciences Center at Texas A&M University in College Station.

“This curriculum is the only one recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its adherence to the final rule requirements,” Taylor said. “Completion of the curriculum will result in the trainee being recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a Food Safety Preventive Controls Qualified Individual.”

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act and the subsequent final rule for the implementation of Current Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls for Human Foods brings with it new requirements to members of the U.S. foods industry and those wishing to import foods from other food-producing countries or regions, Taylor said.

“The development of a food safety plan is a step toward compliance with this rule a key requirement for members of the foods industry covered by the rule,” Taylor said.

“Texas-based and U.S. food industry members need to be in compliance or preparing to meet deadlines for compliance with the FDA.”

He said all industry members covered by the final rule must have a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual, also known as PCQI, available in order to facilitate the development, implementation and updating of a Food Safety Plan.

Cost of the workshop is $500 per registrant. Registration includes the cost of workshop completion certificate, provided by the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance, and necessary training materials. To register, go to http://bit.ly/2f1KFf0.

Those wishing to participate should complete the registration form and submit payment no later than 5 p.m. Dec. 9.

For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Maggie Tucker at maggie.tucker@tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.